How To Test A Burglar Alarm System?

Answer 1

Many people mistakenly believe that they do not have to maintain an alarm system once it is installed in their business or home. Alarm systems are just like any other electronic system in that regular maintenance is necessary to keep all of the components working properly. In fact, depending on the actual installed devices, there may be batteries that must be replaced, motion sensors that must be kept clean and contacts that require a regular visual inspection. However, one of the most important steps that must be taken when owning an alarm system is to physically test the devices. While this is often overlooked, it is a vital action that must be performed to ensure that the security system is operating properly.

If the burglar system is not a local alarm system, meaning it is not monitored by central station monitoring, it is possible to begin testing right away. However, if the system is monitored, it is necessary to call in and put the system on a test mode for a designated amount of time. This will ensure that the authorities are not dispatched on any alarm signals that are received during the testing process. Once the central station operators are notified of the scheduled test, it is possible to begin the process. First, the system must be armed as normal. It is important that no one is moving around to activate the motions and cause a fault at the keypad. Once the alarm goes through it’s normal arming process and indicates that the system is now secure, each device must be activated to simulate a burglary or other danger.

While the sirens will be audible, it is important to continue throughout the location. Each zone will be tested as motion detectors are activated, panic buttons are pressed and doors and/or windows are opened. Once all zones have been activated, it is now time to disarm the alarm in the same way it is disarmed normally. Many keypads will begin to display all of the zones that were activated, but it is also possible to contact the central station operators for all of the zones that were triggered.